Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp-Maasai Mara

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

About Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp is a luxury safari camp located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. The camp is owned and operated by Virgin Limited Edition, a luxury travel company owned by Sir Richard Branson.

The camp consists of 12 luxurious tented suites, each with a private deck offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The suites are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and luxurious experience while immersing them in the natural beauty of the African wilderness.

In addition to the accommodation, Mahali Mzuri offers a range of activities to guests, including game drives, guided bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, and visits to local Maasai villages. The camp also has a spa and wellness center, where guests can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

One of the unique features of Mahali Mzuri is its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation. The camp is built using environmentally friendly materials and operates on solar power. It also supports the local community by providing employment opportunities and supporting local conservation initiatives.

How to get at Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. Here are the general steps to get there:

  1. Fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, which is the main international airport in the country.
  2. From JKIA, you can take a domestic flight to Mara Serena Airport, which is the closest airport to the camp. Flights from Nairobi to Mara Serena are offered by various airlines such as Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Fly540.
  3. Once you arrive at Mara Serena Airport, you will be picked up by a representative from Mahali Mzuri and driven to the camp. The drive from the airport to the camp takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you can drive from Nairobi to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, but this can take up to 5-6 hours and is not recommended as the roads can be rough and difficult to navigate.

Time to Visit

Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Mahali Mzuri.

Activities

  • Spa and wellness center
  • Sauna
  • Message
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wildlife
  • Hot air balloon
  • Safari Walk

Wildlife

  1. Lions – The Maasai Mara is known for its abundant lion population, and guests at Mahali Mzuri have a good chance of spotting these majestic big cats. Lions are most active at dawn and dusk, so early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times to see them.
  2. Leopards – While more elusive than lions, leopards are also frequently spotted in the Maasai Mara. They are excellent climbers and often rest in trees during the day, making them easier to spot from a distance.
  3. Elephants – These gentle giants are one of the most iconic and beloved animals in Africa. Mahali Mzuri is located near a seasonal river, which is a popular watering hole for elephants.
  4. Buffalo – African buffalo are large, formidable animals that often travel in herds. They are typically found near water sources, and guests at Mahali Mzuri may see them grazing on the savannah.
  5. Rhinoceros – Both black and white rhinoceros can be found in the Maasai Mara, although they are more rare than other game animals. They are endangered, so seeing one in the wild is a special experience.

In addition to these “Big Five” animals, guests at Mahali Mzuri may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs, and many other species of wildlife. The conservancy is home to over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers as well.

Tsavo West National Park-Kenya

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park is a popular tourist destination located in the southern part of Kenya. The park is in the coastal region of Kenya and covers an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers.

Tsavo West National Park

How Many gates does Tsavo West National park have?

savo West National Park has several gates that visitors can use to enter the park. Further the number of gates may vary depending on the source of information, but the most commonly recognized gates are four:

  1. Chyulu Gate: Located in the northern part of the park and offers access to the park from the Chyulu Hills.
  2. Mtito Andei Gate: Located in the southern part of the park and is the main entrance to the park.
  3. Tsavo Gate: Located in the eastern part of the park and offers access to the park from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
  4. Jipe Gate: Located in the south-western part of the park and offers access to the park from Tanzania.

Wildlife

Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some of the most iconic and rare species in Africa.

  1. Elephants: The Park is home to one of the largest populations of elephants in Kenya, with over 12,000 individuals. These majestic creatures can often be seen wandering through the park, drinking at watering holes, and feeding on vegetation.
  2. Lions: Lions are also commonly sighted in the park, and the Mzima Springs area is known for its resident prides.
  3. Leopards: Because leopards are more elusive than lions, visitors to the park may still have the chance to spot these elusive creatures.
  4. Cheetahs: The Park is also home to a small population of cheetahs, which can sometimes be seen sprinting across the open savannah in pursuit of prey.
  5. Buffalo: These large herbivores can be seen grazing on the grasslands, and are often accompanied by their young calves.
  6. Giraffes: Giraffes are another common sight in the park, and visitors may see these tall animals browsing the treetops for leaves.

Tsavo West National Park Attractions

  1. Mzima Springs: This natural spring is a popular attraction in the park.Visitors can take a guided walk along the river to observe the crystal-clear waters, hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species that live there.
  2. Shetani Lava Flows: These black lava flows are a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 200 years ago. The lava flows have formed a unique landscape with deep cracks and canyons which visitors can explore the area on foot.
  3. Chaimu Crater: This volcanic crater offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for a picnic or a guided walk.
  4. Roaring Rocks: These towering rock formations offer visitors panoramic views of the park and the surrounding plains. The rocks get their name from the echoing sound made by the wind as it rushes through the rocks.
  5. Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary: The sanctuary was established to protect the endangered black rhinoceros. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these magnificent animals up close and learn about conservation efforts in the park.
  6. Game Drives: Visitors can take guided game drives to explore the park and see a variety of wildlife species. These elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and zebras.
  7. Bird Watching: Tsavo West National Park is home to over 600 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
  8. Hiking and Camping: The park has several designated hiking trails and camping sites as visitors explore the park on foot and spend the night in the wilderness.

Charges

  1. Citizens/Residents:
  • Adults: Ksh 515 per person per day
  • Children (3-18 years): Ksh 215 per person per day
  1. Non-Residents:
  • Adults: USD 52 per person per day
  • Children (3-18 years): USD 35 per person per day

Note that these charges are subject to change, and visitors should check with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for the latest fees before visiting Tsavo West National Park.

How to get there

The Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, approximately 240 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa. Here are some ways to get to the park:

  1. By road: The park can be accessed by road from Nairobi or Mombasa. The Nairobi-Mombasa highway runs through the park, making it easy to access from either city. Visitors can use their own vehicles or hire a car to reach the park.
  2. By air: There are several airstrips within the park, which can be used by private charter planes or scheduled flights. The closest airstrip to the park is the Kilaguni Airstrip. This is about 45 minutes drive from the Mtito Andei Gate.
  3. By train: In addition Visitors can also reach the park by train from either Nairobi or Mombasa. The train stops at the Mtito Andei Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the park’s Mtito Andei Gate. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a tour vehicle to enter the park.

Amboseli National Park Guide

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most well-known parks, and it culminates in Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The name Amboseli comes from the Maasai word meaning “salt powder”. This is one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, including the dry Amboseli lake bed, sulfur spring wetlands, savannah and forests. You can also visit the nearby Maasai community and learn more about their traditional culture.

Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park

Location


Its located in Kenya’s Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province. It has an infinite underground water supply that is filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap and funneled into two clear water springs in the park’s heart. The park straddles the Kenya-Tanzania border and is well-known for being the best place in Africa to get up close and personal with free-roaming elephants and other wildlife species.

How  to get there

By Road:

The most Popular route into the park is from Namanga (240 km) from Nairobi on the Nairobi-Arusha Road via Meshanani Gate.

The alternative route is via Emali along the Nairobi – Mombasa Road (228 kilometers) from Nairobi.

You can also access the park from Mombasa via Tsavo West National Park using Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.

By Air

The park has a single airstrip for light aircraft at Empusel gate. There are also airstrips at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

Park entrance Charges

Charges

 Attractions

 Wildlife

Amboseli National Park is a distinguished domestic for wildlife.he park is best known for hosting the largest elephant population and is the place to see them in large numbers in Kenya. The most fascinating thing about visiting the park in the dry season for wildlife viewing is that large herds of animals raising a lot of dust as they cross the sandy plains, making for a great photo opportunity. The animals in the park are clearly visible from the observation hill and in the Sinet Delta.

Amboseli National Park Wild life

Birds

Amboseli National Park hosts a good bird population estimated at over 420 species. The park inhabits three categories of birds: waterfowl that thrive in the swampy region of the park, grassland birds that live in savannah plains, and forest birds that live in acacia vegetation. Bird species found in Amboseli National Park include African Jacana, Goliath Heron, African Moorhen and many more.

Lake Amboseli

Its a a temporary lake in the northwestern region of the delta and occupies most of the park. The Lake usually dry, especially in the dry season. During the rainy season the lake fills up and sometimes floods. The lake basin is an inhabitant of many animal species such as elephants more so in the dry season when it is dry.

Great scenery Views of mountain Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Kenya. The park is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. While in Amboseli National Park, you can enjoy the clear view of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro which offers the best photo opportunity due to the panoramic view.

Maasai culture

The charming Maasai dominate the edge of the park. In the Maasai village, you will find Maasai cultural traditions including Maasai dances, traditional songs and their unique way of approaching them.

Accommodation

For a wonderful safari in this park,you should stay in comfortable accommodation that provides beds, food, and other amenities and facilities.

Ol Tukai Lodge

This chalet offers the panoramic scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro and is the best place to spot elephants. Decorated with a unique collection of African art, the chalet has superb indoor and outdoor facilities. Accommodation at Ol Tukai Lodge consists of luxury chalet-style double rooms. These rooms are very stylish and comfortable with spectacular uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Sentrim Amboseli Lodge

Located in a rural area of ​​Amboseli National Park on the border. The lodge is 35 minutes drive from Kimana Gate, 71 minutes drive from Kimana Reserve and 88 minutes drive by car from Loitoktok Hospital. Accommodation at is in 60 luxury and comfortable luxury tents with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Maasai Simba camp

This excellent family-run property is 18.1 km from Kimana Gate and 20.6 km from Amboseli Elephant Research Camp. camp Satao Elerai Camp Satao Elerai is a peaceful camp set in a 5,000-acre private wildlife sanctuary. This camp is in a very scenic location overlooking Amboseli National Park and the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp is 6.6 km from Amboseli Elephant Research Camp, 20.3 km from Kimana Gate and 2.6 km from Amboseli National Park. The camp offers 5 lodge style suites and nine tents overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro with a great sense of luxury and privacy.

Satao Elerai camp

It is situated in the heart of Amboseli National Park with the magnificent slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge is surrounded by a series of emerald green swamps and acacia groves. Amboseli Serena Safari Hostel Room type accommodation, these rooms are shaded by palm trees and decorated with artifacts in unique colors and iconic shapes depicting legendary warriors. Each room is located in a one-story building and each reflects the Maasai Manyatta theme.

Kimana Amboseli tent camp

Kimana Amboseli Tent Camp is located 18.5 kilometers from the center of the park. Camp accommodation is offered in the form of 6 fully furnished guest cottages and 18 guest tents.

Tortilis Camp

The camp offers magnificent views of snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. This camp is located 7.8 kilometers from the center of Amboseli National Park and 83.7 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Kibo Safari Camp

The camp is a 4 hour drive from the city of Nairobi, 18.8 kilometers from the center of Amboseli National Park, 15 kilometers from the Amboseli Airstrip and 5 minutes from the park’s main gate. Kibo Safari Camp accommodation is offered in 73 detached tents, these tents have custom beds constructed from bush logs.

Best time to visit

Although Amboseli may be visited at any time of 12 months, it’s miles advocated to move with inside the dry months, that are from June to October and January to February.

The probabilities are high-quality early morning and past due afternoon within side the Wet season months from November to May, whilst the sky is apparent of dust. Amboseli National park/wildlife

Climate

Amboseli National Park receives typically hot and dry weather conditions, mostly dry seasons and short heavy rainy seasons, the dry season in the park is received in the monthly period of June to July and August to September.

The months of June and July are usually sunny with average temperatures of 25°C/77°F, especially in the afternoon. During the months of August and September are usually warmer than the months of June and July with average temperatures of 26°C/79°F. In September is it hotter

Contacts

Landline: 254(20) 8029705

Mobile: 0716 493 335

Postal Address: P.O Box 356 – 00209,

Loitokitok

Samburu National Reserve -Kenya

Samburu National Reserve/Entry gate

Samburu National Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in the Samburu County in northern Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers and is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

The reserve is known for its unique and diverse wildlife species that are adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region. Some of the animals found in Samburu National Reserve include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and the Samburu ‘Special Five,’ which are unique to the area.

Samburu Special Five Wildlife

The Samburu Five, also known as the Samburu Special Five, are five wildlife species that are unique to the Samburu National Reserve and the surrounding areas in northern Kenya. They are include:

  1. Reticulated Giraffe: This giraffe subspecies is easily identified by its white, net-like pattern on a dark brown background. It is smaller and more slender than other giraffe subspecies.
  2. Grevy’s Zebra: This zebra is larger and has narrower stripes than other zebra species. It is also characterized by its large round ears and white belly.
  3. Beisa Oryx: This antelope species is found in arid and semi-arid areas of East Africa. It has a greyish-brown coat with white underbelly and black markings on its legs.
  4. Somali Ostrich: This ostrich subspecies has distinct blue-grey neck and legs, with white feathers on the body.
  5. Gerenuk: Also known as the giraffe gazelle, the gerenuk has a long neck and legs, and is known for standing on its hind legs to reach high branches for food.

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Nature walks
  • Bird watching
  • Cultural visits
  • Photography
  • Camel safaris
  • River rafting

Samburu National Reserve Fee Charges

CategoryNon-ResidentKenyan Citizens
AdultUS$ 80 -120Kshs 1,000 – 2000
ChildUS$ 45 -75Kshs 300-1000
Charges

Samburu National Reserve How to get there

The nearest town to the reserve is Isiolo, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. Here are the most common ways to get to Samburu National Reserve:

  1. By air: The reserve has its own airstrip, Samburu Airport, which can be accessed by scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Flights are operated by various airlines, such as Air Kenya, Safarilink, and FlySax.
  2. By road: Visitors can also access the reserve by road. The reserve is approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. The road is generally in good condition, but visitors are advised to use a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season.
  3. By bus: Visitors can take a bus from Nairobi to Isiolo and then hire a taxi or use a tour company to take them to the reserve.

Climbing Mt Kenya, Facts, Routes, Charges

Climbing mt kenya

Climbing Mt Kenya is a thrilling and challenging adventure that attracts many outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Here are some key facts, routes, and charges for climbing Mt. Kenya:

Climbing Mt Kenya

Facts:

  • Mt. Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro, with its highest peak, Batian, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
  • Mt. Kenya is a stratovolcano, and its last eruption occurred about 3 million years ago.
  • Mt. Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area in Kenya, with diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Mount Kenya bush viper and the Mount Kenya mole-rat.

Mt Kenya Routes:

There are several routes to climb Mt. Kenya, ranging from easy to difficult, and the choice of route depends on one’s fitness level, climbing experience, and personal preference. Some of the popular routes include:

Sirimon Route

This is the easiest and most scenic route, and it starts from the northwest side of the mountain. It takes about 4-5 days to climb and is ideal for beginners.

Chogoria Route

This is the most scenic and beautiful route, and it starts from the east side of the mountain. It takes about 5-6 days to climb and requires some technical skills.

Naro Moru Route

This is the shortest and most popular route, and it starts from the west side of the mountain. It takes about 3-4 days to climb, but it is steep and requires a good level of fitness.

Burguret Route

This is the least used and most challenging route, and it starts from the north side of the mountain. It takes about 6-7 days to climb and requires a high level of fitness and mountaineering experience.

Charges:

Climbing Mt. Kenya requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) or authorized tour operators. The permit fees vary depending on the route and the number of days. Here are some approximate charges:

  1. Sirimon Route: $220 for non-residents, KES 5,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,500 for East African residents.
  2. Chogoria Route: $280 for non-residents, KES 6,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,800 for East African residents.
  3. Naro Moru Route: $200 for non-residents, KES 4,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,200 for East African residents.
  4. Burguret Route: $300 for non-residents, KES 6,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,800 for East African residents.

In addition to the permit fees, climbers also need to pay for other expenses, such as park fees, camping fees, guide and porter fees, and transportation costs.

Best time to climb Mt Kenya

The best time to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry season, which is typically from January to March and from July to October. During this period, the weather is generally clear and dry, with lower chances of rain, and the trails are less muddy and easier to hike. The temperatures during the day are mild, usually ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), while at night, they can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes.